"I
can't think of anything that brings me closer to tears than when
my old dog -- completely exhausted after a hard day in the field
-- limps away from her nice spot in front of the fire and comes
over to where I'm sitting and puts her head in my lap, a paw
over my knee, and closes her eyes and goes back to sleep. I
don't know what I've done to deserve that kind of friend."- Gene Hill

Avalon
Namoi
"Namoi"

Borahview Gunnah
"Gunnah"

In
spite of its name, the German Coolie, also known as the
Australian Coolie, hails from Down Under where it has been
established for nearly 200 years.

Among its
ancestors are German herding breeds and Scottish Collies
imported to Australia. This combination has produced an animal
prized for its skill in various herding techniques.

Bred
to drive cattle over varying terrain and distances, Koolies
use several methods of controlling the herd: heading (pushing the
stock back towards the farmer from the front), heeling or driving,
(guiding the stock from behind), casting (moving out and around the
stock), blocking (holding or blocking the stock from in front) and backing
(jumping onto the backs of the animals to herd them). Koolies are very
versatile and easily work in closed surroundings such as yards or trucks
as well as out in the open in paddocks. Koolies will herd anything from
ducks to bulls, a good thing to keep in mind as this strong drive will
lead them to herd other family members and children in the absence of real
work.

As these dogs
are bred to work in a variety of environments, their physical appears
varies also. Standing from 16 to 24 inches (40 to 60 centimeters) at the
shoulder and a little longer than they are tall, Koolies also vary in coat
type. The coat may appear short and smooth (similar to Blue Merle Smooth
Collies) or medium to long (like Border Collies). The short/smooth coats
are low in maintenance. Colouring also varies. The coat may be
solid, "bi" (black and white or red and white), "tri"
(solid red or black, with white markings, normally with brown points),
"tri merle" (same description but merle), or "merle" (grey,
black,red/chocolate or white undercoat with large areas of darker
colourings of red/chocolate for red merles or black and grey for blue
merles).

Agile,
adaptable, and intelligent, Coolies need early, supportive training and
socialization to help them adapt to the specific needs of their owners.
They respond quickly and confidently. This is a high drive, hardy,
enthusiastic dog who needs a job to do! Coolies excel in sporting
activities, service, search and rescue, or as loyal companions. Patient,
dedicated, and devoted, Koolies outside the farm or ranch compete in
herding, obedience, tracking, jumping,and other dog agility events.